This French Onion Pot Roast is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender beef with a rich, flavorful onion gravy. Perfectly cooked with mushrooms and carrots, it’s a hearty meal that will satisfy any craving.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds beef pot roast
- 10.5 ounces (1 can) French onion soup
- 2 to 3 cups water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 large button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- Optional: mashed potatoes to serve
Equipment:
- Electric skillet or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Directions:
1. Preparation:
- Begin by peeling and slicing the carrots, cleaning and quartering the mushrooms, and setting them aside.
2. Browning the Roast:
- Heat the vegetable oil in an electric skillet or Dutch oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season the pot roast generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the roast in the skillet and sear it for about 5-6 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned.
3. Adding Liquids:
- In a bowl, mix the French onion soup with 2 cups of water. After browning the roast, pour this mixture over it.
- Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and reduce the heat to 225°F (107°C).
4. Slow Cooking:
- Cook the roast covered for about 3 hours. Turn the roast halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
- Periodically check the liquid level. If it thickens too much or reduces significantly, add more water to keep the roast moist and tender.
5. Adding Vegetables:
- During the last hour of cooking, add the quartered mushrooms and sliced carrots to the pot. This will allow them to soften and absorb the flavors without becoming too mushy.
6. Serving:
- Once the roast is tender and the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from heat.
- Slice the roast and serve hot. Optionally, serve it with mashed potatoes, which complement the rich flavors of the gravy.
Notes:
- Oven Method: Alternatively, you can cook the roast in an oven. Use a Dutch oven for browning, then roast it in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) instead of reducing the skillet heat.
- Adjusting Flavors: Taste the gravy during the last hour of cooking and adjust seasoning if necessary. A bit of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine can enhance the depth of the gravy.
Enjoy this comforting French Onion Pot Roast, perfect for family dinners or special occasions!